Yogis like crow pose because it’s challenging, looks impressive, and gives a huge boost to their self-esteem once it’s accomplished. I like Crow pose because it also give Yogis wisdom for life.
Crow isn’t a pose many conquer on the first try, so it teaches Yogis how diligence pays off. To drive this point home, while your Yogis is learning the pose, recognize how much work they are putting into it; and that each time they work on it, they get a little closer to mastering it. Celebrate with your Yogi once they’ve accomplished their goal and congratulate them for sticking with it!
Keep a mental note of how long it took your yogi to master it Crow and they’ll learn a great deal about patience. The next time your yogi is frustrated that something isn’t happening as quickly as they think it should, remind them how long it took them to learn crow. Nothing is instant, even “instant” Hot Cocoa takes 3 minutes in the microwave!
My favorite lesson from Crow is about focus. I always tell Yogis where they look is where they will go. If you look up you’ll stay up, but if you look down at the floor… well, the floor become a magnet. Talk with your Yogi about how their focus in life can create magnetic moments. Looking in a positive direction? That’s where you’ll go. Focusing on everything that’s bad in life? Get ready to see a lot more of it.
Want to help your yogi learn crow—or strengthen their crow? Walk them through the three-step plan below. If you’re looking for a way to have fun and laugh with your yogi, join in on the fun. You might find yourself in crow pose before you’re done!
Upside Down Crow Start by lying on your back. Bring your knees into your chest and touch your big toes together. Next “hug” your upper arms with your knees. Finally lift your shoulders and tailbone off the floor and look toward the ceiling and squeeze your arms with your knees. Relax then repeat about 8 – 10 times.
Wall Crow Start by standing at the wall with your heels against the baseboard. Bend your knees, coming into a squat, and place your hand on the floor about a foot apart. Squeeze your upper arms with your knees. Keep this connection as you look up. Lift one foot about 12 inches and rest your big toe on the wall. Once you’re steady, bring your other big toe up to the wall. Stay here and take 3-5 breaths.
Cat to Crow Start on your hands and knees. Look toward your belly button and tuck your hips under, so the middle of your back reaches up toward the ceiling. This is called Cat pose. Keep this position in your body as you come up onto your tip toes and bring your knees in to the outsides of your upper arms. Squeeze your arms with your legs and LOOK UP. Keep your gaze lifted and slowly lift one foot off the floor then the other. Bring your big toes together … voila!
A Few Things to Remember
- Lift your feet slowly. Don’t try to hop up into Crow. The forward momentum will likely propel you forward onto the floor
- Want to stay up longer? Try as hard as you can to touch your heels to your bottom. You won’t be able to do it, but the activation of your muscles will give you the lift and stability you’re looking for.
- Oh, and, keep your eyes up—if you look down, you will go down!
